‘State of Emergency’ Draft Law Gives Gov’t Sweeping Powers; Permits Human Rights Restrictions

The draft allows for a “state of emergency” to be declared in multiple scenarios, ranging from national security situations such as war or foreign invasion to public health concerns such as pandemics and severe calamity.

A copy of the hastily-drafted “state of emergency” law, leaked Tuesday evening, looks to give the Cambodian government sweeping powers during an emergency, enabling the administration to curtail a large number of civil rights with seemingly no serious checks and balances.

The draft legislation, titled ‘Law on National Administration in the State of Emergency’, was leaked Tuesday evening and verified by a Justice Ministry official. The law, according to Prime Minister Hun Sen, was necessitated by the current coronavirus pandemic and has already been approved by the Council of Ministers, and is expected to head to parliament soon.

Based on Article 22 of the Constitution, the draft law requires the King to declare the state of emergency, after reaching consensus with the Prime Minister and Presidents of the Senate and National Assembly.

In full: https://www.voacambodia.com/a/state-of-emergency-draft-law-gives-gov-t-sweeping-powers-permits-human-rights-restrictions-/5353728.html

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